Wombat- I'm personally a devotee of a nice big fat can of bear spray (pepper spray) attached to the shoulder strap of a camelbak in such a way that it can be instantly deployed. The stuff works. Ever had your face plunged into molten lava? It's kinda like that.
Ken- I will get back to the rock in early Sept, then try to catch a Ferry up to the mainland. I hope to see some of you guys. I will try to get over the Alaska forum, but it just has not grabbed me yet. As a devotee of alternative two wheeled conveyance, you may be glad to hear I am about to get a recumbent, likely a Bacchetta Giro.
Cool, grey, dampish, humid summer out here. Nothing noteworthy except the unearthly calm of NO WIND all summer. Flipping weird, that part.
Take care and stay in touch, and remember not to eat the cardboard.